St. Herbert of Derwentwater

Born: unknown

Died: March 20, 687

Canonized: pre-Congregation

Feast Day: March 20

Patron Saint of: drought relief

Date of birth unknown; d. 20 March, 687; an anchorite of the seventh century,
who dwelt for many years on the little island still known as St. Herbert's Isle,
in the Lake of Derwentwater. He was for long the friend and disciple of St.
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Little is known about him, save that it was his custom
every year to visit St. Cuthbert for the purpose of receiving his direction in
spiritual matters. In the year 686, hearing that his friend was visiting
Carlisle for the purpose of giving the veil to Queen Eormenburg, he went to see
him there, instead of at Lindisfarne as was usual. After they had spoken
together, St. Cuthbert said, "Brother Herbert, tell to me now all that you have
need to ask or speak, for never shall we see one another again in this world.
For I know that the time of my decease is at hand." Then Herbert fell weeping at
his feet and begged that St. Cuthbert would obtain for him the grace that they
might both be admitted to praise God in heaven at the same time. And St.
Cuthbert prayed and then made answer, "Rise, my brother, weep not, but rejoice
that the mercy of God has granted our desire." And so it happened. For Herbert,
returning to his hermitage, fell ill of a long sickness, and, purified of his
imperfections, passed to God on the very day on which St. Cuthbert died on Holy
Island. It is said that the remains of St. Herbert's chapel and cell may still
be traced at the northern end of the island on which he lived. In 1374 Thomas
Appleby, Bishop of Carlisle, granted an indulgence of forty days to all who, in
honor of St. Herbert, visited the island in Derwentwater and were present at the
Mass of St. Cuthbert to be sung annually by the Vicar of Crosthwaite.